When is a Dachshund Considered an Adult

Richard Thomas
Over 15 years handling, testing, and restoring pocket, fixed-blade, and Damascus steel knives across hunting and everyday-carry disciplines.

When is a Dachshund Considered an Adult?

When do dachshunds reach their full size, their adulthood?

A dachshund’s bones stop growing at 12 months of age, but they continue to grow and gain weight until they are 18 months or even 2 years old.

Be sure to monitor their weight during this period, as these adorable dogs are food-motivated and particularly love to eat (everything) 😅

👉 According to global statistics, 2/3 of dachshunds are overweight after the age of 2!

Is your affectionate sausage dog puppy still growing like crazy? Are you wondering when they will stop growing and putting on weight? Or perhaps you are worried they might be gaining too much weight?

Read on to discover the different dachshund sizes and what size your dog is expected to reach when they become an adult.

NOTE: Measurements in cm are updated according to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, source: Teckel Club de France.

How Do I Know When My Dachshund is an Adult?

Read: Why Adopt a Dachshund

There is no definitive answer to the question of when your dachshund is an adult.

It is generally agreed that their growth will be complete around 12 months, but they will continue to grow and gain weight on the scale.

At this age, it makes sense, as the dachshund skeleton is supposed to be fully developed by 12 months. They shouldn’t get any taller or longer after that. 😊

Just like us, dachshunds go through different phases of life. They transition from puppyhood to adolescence, then to adulthood, and finally their golden years.

Your dachshund may look and act like a puppy for the first few years of their life, even if they have reached full maturity.

Furthermore, even if your dachshund’s silhouette won’t change once they are out of the puppy stage, they could gain or lose weight with age.

NOTE: It is important to know your dachshund’s actual size once they have reached their maximum size, so you can detect any weight issues.

At What Age Do Dachshunds Stop Growing?

Read: Which Dachshund to Choose

A dachshund’s bones should stop growing at 1 year old, although they may continue to fill out for some time afterward.

Dachshunds are bred with the chondrodysplasia gene (dwarfism, like a Basset Hound or Bulldog), so it takes longer than normal for their paws to fully develop.

Once born, dachshund puppies start growing rapidly for the first 8 months or so.

The long bones in their legs lengthen thanks to growth plates located at the ends of the bones. These continue to develop until the growth plates close, which happens at 10-12 months of age.

For a while after the growth plates close, your dachshund will continue to gain weight until they reach their adult weight.

They may stop growing at 18 months or continue until they are 2 years old – it depends on your puppy.

It is very important to monitor their size as they grow because their metabolism will have started to slow down, increasing the risk of being overweight.

Excess weight can put a strain on their little legs and cause back problems. We recommend getting your dachshund used to using a dog ramp (fixed or adjustable) from a young age to help them get on and off furniture easily!

Choose your ramp from our Care & Grooming collection. 😇

With a healthy, balanced diet, good kibble, and plenty of exercise, your little love should be in great shape!

It is easy to feel and see if your dachshund is gaining too much weight: you should be able to feel their ribs and see a well-defined waistline.

What is the Size of a Kaninchen Dachshund?

A Kaninchen dachshund measures about 13-18 cm (at the withers) and weighs no more than 3.5 kg.
Female chest circumference: 25-30cm
Male chest circumference: 27-32cm

The Kaninchen dachshund (rabbit dachshund) was bred to hunt smaller prey like rabbits (rather than badgers).

Despite the passage of time and their small size, they remain an excellent hunter.

What is the Size of a Miniature Dachshund?

A miniature dachshund measures about 20-30cm (at the withers) and weighs between 4 and 6 kg.
Female chest circumference: 30-35cm
Male chest circumference: 32-37cm

This little dachshund generally weighs 4.5 kg from 12 months onwards.

It is the intermediate size among all our dachshund friends and can also be trained as a hunting dog.

What is the Size of a Standard Dachshund?

A standard dachshund measures about 20 to 35cm (at the withers) and weighs between 7 and 14 kg.
Female chest circumference: 35-45cm
Male chest circumference: 37-47cm

A standard dachshund usually weighs between 7 and 13 kg when they are 12 months or older.

Of course, they are still much smaller than most dogs, so they are always classified as a small dog.

That said, these are “breed standard” measurements, and dachshunds come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. Another good way to check is to examine them yourself.

See if there are fat rolls at the withers (the point between the shoulder blades). Check that they are well-defined or tucked in at the waist.

You should be able to see their waist and hips when looking from above. And run your hands over their coat at the rib cage.

If you cannot feel their ribs at all, they are overweight.

We highly recommend our blog post on dachshund nutrition.

Final Paw

You now have all the necessary information to know when a dachshund reaches adulthood and how long it takes for a dachshund puppy’s bones to develop 🐾

You will have a better idea of the size your companion dog will be once an adult.

For more information, you can refer to the Dachshund Lovers Club and ask your veterinary canine specialist.

Every dachshund is different, regardless of their shape or size; they will be perfect just as they are with plenty of love 😊 !

The Shop team – 💚 Last modified on 06/10/26

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